Re: USINGATHERMOSTAT.......OR NOT?

Posted by H. L. Chauvin on April 16, 1998 at 18:42:37

In Reply to: USINGATHERMOSTAT.......OR NOT?
posted by Ken Smith on April 15, 1998 at 15:30:24

: I purchased a February 1929 Tudor Sedan last September and for the most part have had very few major problems with it. KNOCK ON WOOD!
: After Christmas... I pulled the engine to replace the clutch pressure plate and in so doing discovered a thermostat in the upper hose. I DID NOT PUT IT BACK IN BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT TO BE UNNECESSARY. Perhaps I was wrong!
: A couple of weeks ago I ran the Tudor out to the country and it started misfiring and getting hot about 20 mi ....Should I order a new thermostat like Bratton's Antique Auto Parts sell? See part number A-8257 on page 48 of Walt Bratton's new blue cover catalog?
: I would ...... using thermostats!
Hi Ken:Humble opinion.Assuming everything was running well prior to changing clutch, think of all items that may have been altered in process such as fan belt tension, timing, and maybe after engine and radiator drying out, solid particles working loose in cooling system.On page 46 of your "Bratton's" catalog is a test which may help you in your decision; i.e., remove bottom radiator hose, place rubber ball over bottom radiator metal opening, fill radiator with water, remove ball, time discharge of water flow with watch.Four (4) seconds or less to empty radiator means radiator is okay & four (4) seconds or more, tubes are partially clogged. As mentioned in the many responses, adding a thermostat could possibly help reduce water flow to prevent water loss through the radiator over-flow tube--"Snyder's" catalog, under water pumps gives a "tip" of reducing water flow by grinding off tips of impeller if pump is pumping more than the radiator can take. Best wishes, Henry.

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